Our Coxswain course equips you with the necessary skills to command, safely and efficiently, a commercial vessel of less than 12m and 500kW engaged in inshore operations. On completion of this course, you will obtain a Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain.

What can a Coxswain do?

A Coxswain can master a fishing or trading vessel less than 12 metres in length and limited to inshore waters (15nm), or become an engineer on a vessel less than 12 metres in length with engines less than 500kW and limited to inshore waters (15nm). You will then be able to seek employment in the small vessel sector including tourism, commercial workboats, fisheries, fishing and aquaculture.

About the course

You will develop the practical skills of coastal navigation and seamanship using a range of vessels such as the 14m 'Reviresco', 8m 'Skipjack' and the twin outboard 6m Bar Crusher 'Chromis'.

Engineering practicals will show you how to deal with varied situations including a drowned outboard and operating complex pumping systems and inboard diesel engines. You will also undertake practical firefighting and survival training in our purpose-built facilities as part of the Shipboard Safety Skill set training, to provide you with an understanding of skills required for safety at sea.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the Certificate II however, experience on and around boats would be an advantage. To be eligible for the issue of a Certificate of Competency (Coxswain), you must meet the requirements of your state marine authority including satisfactory completion of an approved training program, eyesight and medical tests and approved sea-time. You will need six-months sea time; some recreational boating may be included.

Contact details

^ Dates may vary depending on units undertaken. AMC reserves the right to reschedule or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolments.

* Includes 1 week of short courses, Shipboard Safety Skill Set (cost included in course fee) and Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (cost not included in course fee).

* AMSA Orals are not included in the course fee, please contact AMSA direct for application cost and licencing requirements.

+ This course is not available to international students

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

As of 1 January 2015 students undertaking nationally recognised training are required to have a USI.To apply, please visit: Unique Student Identifier. You will be asked to provide your USI upon enrolment.